How to Talk With Your Kids About Current Events: Including Immigration News, ICE, and Other Difficult Topics
Many parents are asking the same question right now: How do I talk to my child about what’s happening in the world without scaring them?
From immigration enforcement and protests to violence and breaking news alerts, children are often exposed to far more information than we realize—through school conversations, social media, or overheard adult discussions. Even when they don’t fully understand the details, kids can sense when something feels serious or upsetting.
The good news: you don’t need perfect words or all the answers. What children need most is a calm, trusted adult to help them make sense of what they’re hearing. Here are some practical, age-appropriate ways to approach these conversations.
Start by Listening First
Before explaining anything, ask your child what they’ve heard and how it made them feel. You might be surprised by what they already know—or what they’ve misunderstood.
Simple questions like:
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“What did you hear about this?”
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“How did that make you feel?”
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“Do you have any questions?”
Listening first helps you meet your child where they are, rather than overwhelming them with information they may not be ready for.
Keep Explanations Simple and Age-Appropriate
Children don’t need every detail. Younger kids benefit from brief, concrete explanations, while older kids and teens may want more context and discussion.
You can explain that sometimes there are disagreements about laws or government decisions, and that immigration enforcement (including ICE) is part of how the government handles immigration rules. Avoid graphic details and let your child’s questions guide how much you share.
If you don’t know the answer to something, it’s okay to say so.
Acknowledge Feelings and Reassure Safety
Kids may feel worried, confused, sad, or even angry. Let them know those feelings are normal.
You can say things like:
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“It makes sense to feel worried when you hear about things like this.”
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“I’m glad you told me how you’re feeling.”
Reassure them that they are safe and that trusted adults—including parents, caregivers, teachers, and community helpers—are working to take care of kids and families.
Focus on Values
You don’t need to explain policy debates to help your child learn important lessons. This is an opportunity to talk about empathy, fairness, respect, and caring for people who may be scared or vulnerable.
You can emphasize that people may have different experiences and that kindness and compassion matter, even when topics are complicated.
Limit News and Social Media Exposure
Continuous news coverage can be overwhelming for children, especially when stories are repeated or sensationalized. Consider limiting background news when kids are around and monitoring social media use for older children and teens.
Checking in regularly—rather than waiting for kids to come to you—can help prevent anxiety from building quietly.
Model Calm and Compassion
Children watch how adults react. When you approach difficult topics with calm, honesty, and care, you show them how to handle hard information in healthy ways.
It’s okay to name your own feelings while staying grounded: “This is hard to hear about, but talking together helps.”
A Final Thought for Parents
You don’t need perfect answers. What matters most is being present, listening without judgment, and letting your child know they can come to you with questions—now and in the future.
These conversations help build trust, resilience, and a sense of safety, even during uncertain times.
If you’d like support tailoring these conversations for preschoolers, school-age children, or teens, your pediatric care team can help guide you.